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ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

Burlington, Vermont

Project Type: Education and Green Building

The ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is an interactive Science Center that offers a multitude of live exhibits, engaging visitors in a captivating educational experience. The project encompasses approximately 25,000 square feet of public exhibit space, classrooms, a gift shop, and support facilities, including unique cast-in-place concrete fish tanks. Emphasizing sustainability, the building incorporates solar panels on the roof, maximizes natural lighting, utilizes passive heating and cooling techniques, implements smart lighting systems, and incorporates specially controlled HVAC systems. The construction of this remarkable facility prioritized the use of renewable materials and locally sourced supplies, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Notably, ECHO holds the distinction of being the first building in the State of Vermont to be LEED certified, highlighting its sustainable design and construction practices. Recognized for its architectural excellence, the center has received prestigious accolades such as the AIA Award of Excellence and the Hertzel Pasackow Award for Extraordinary Architectural Integrity. The ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain stands as a testament to the fusion of innovative science, environmental stewardship, and outstanding architectural design, providing visitors with a transformative and inspiring journey into the wonders of the natural world.

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Photo credit: Brian Vanden Brink